Students at Royal Palm Academy spent the day packing 20,000 meals to help families in need across Southwest Florida. Partnering with Meals of Hope and Catholic Charities of Collier County, middle schoolers filled bags of oatmeal with fruit to combat hunger in the community.
Parent volunteer president Courtney Williams helped organize the event.
“There were several people who brought the idea to the school. And we just reached out to Meals of Hope and they did everything for us. They gave us all the instructions, set everything up with us," Williams said. "They have been such a great partner in this. We've been looking forward to this for two months now, so it's wonderful to finally see it coming together."
The meals will be distributed by Catholic Charities of Collier County, ensuring they stay local. According to the U.S. Census, one in ten people in Collier County live below the poverty line.
Students like Elliot Huling said they were glad to help during the holiday season.
“This season is really for joy and love and care and those that don't have breakfast, we don't want people to be hungry during the holidays for sure,” Huling said.
Angelina Saadeh, another eighth grader, said she wanted to give back.
“It means a lot in all different ways, because I've been blessed with some gifts, with many gifts, and now I'm able to give back and help others,” Saadeh said.
Each meal bag packed by the students can feed a family of four.
Catholic Charities Regional Director Peggy Rodriguez praised the students’ efforts.
“It is so amazing. And I truly believe in instilling in our children about the need in our community and helping others. And this was just a great opportunity for kids to get involved,” Rodriguez said.
Meals are available for pickup at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center in Naples or Guadalupe Social Services in Immokalee on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.